Friday 25 March 2016 15:07, UK
Jason Gavern says he would have preferred more time to prepare for his fight with Doncaster prospect David Allen.
The veteran American (20-2-4-KO12) has been drafted into a heavyweight bout against Allen at less than a week's notice after Richard Towers' withdrawal - they will step into the ring on Kell Brook's undercard on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Gavern, 38, is no stranger to a short-notice call-up having stepped up to face Lucas Browne, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua in the past - losing via stoppage on all three occasions. Despite entering his latest fight at similar haste, Gavern hopes his experience of 51 pro fights can overcome Allen's preparation.
Allen is an up and coming kid, if you give me a steady camp I beat him 10 out of 10 times.
"I wish I'd had more notice but it's a pleasure coming here and I thank them for the opportunity," Gavern told Sky Sports after weighing in at 16st 8lbs, 4lbs lighter than his opponent.
"Allen is an up and coming kid, if you give me a steady camp I beat him 10 out of 10 times. I know he's in shape ready to fight but I'm bringing a lot of experience to the table.
"The fans are fantastic. Everybody welcomes me with open arms and I love coming here."
Earlier this week, 24-year-old Allen (8-0-1-KO5) told Sky Sports that he was looking beyond Saturday with a desire to reach the pinnacle of the heavyweight scene in two years.
The undefeated prospect is hoping to share a ring with some esteemed opponents after his 10th pro fight in Sheffield.
"After this fight I'm looking for Shannon Briggs, I'm looking at David Price, I'm looking at Dillian Whyte, Dereck Chisora - all of those guys," he said.
"I've got to win this fight and I've got to do it in style. If I want to call these names out and have this big fights I have to excite on Saturday night."
Kell Brook v Kevin Bizier headlines a big night's boxing in Sheffield with Luke Campbell and Gary Sykes battling for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight crown and heavyweights David Allen and Jason Gavern facing off, live from 7.30pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 1.
